By Robert Jeffrey

Sun Sports Contributor

Frank Speziale Photo

SHERBURNE – The game of basketball has and always will be a game of streaks, and in the Section III Class B girls varsity basketball match-up this past Friday, between the seventh seeded Sherburne-Earlville Marauders and the 10th seeded Phoenix Firebirds these variables were once again on display as the streaking visiting Firebirds put up 24 points in the final quarter of play to advance to the quarterfinals of the Section III tournament – winning by a score of 56-37.

After the first period of play it was evident in this win or go home game that this contest was going to be a close one, as Phoenix squeaked out to an 8-7 advantage headed into the second quarter. However, the Marauders marched back only to find themselves down 19-14 with :54 seconds left to play in the second quarter – four points and :51.8 seconds later, S-E’s defense held-up and the offense put themselves within striking distance of their worthy opponent in the Firebirds.

With only 2.2 seconds left on the clock, a Kaitlyn Furner free-throw attempt for S-E was no good, a quick recovery for the host Marauders and a kick out to Tessa Cole who set her feet, gathered herself, took aim and swished in a trifecta at the buzzer-signaling the end of an exciting first half of basketball as the Marauders took the lead in stride 21-20 at the half.